Athens Bar Association and Supreme Court clash over corruption allegations

The Athens Bar Association (DSA) and the Supreme Court of Greece have issued opposing responses following an article published by a Supreme Court Deputy Prosecutor regarding alleged corruption within the judiciary.

The DSA issued a resolution condemning the Deputy Prosecutor's public comments as “institutional excesses” and “communication tactics.” The Association argued that criticizing a case currently pending before a lower court violates the independence of the presiding judge and undermines public trust in the justice system. The DSA further questioned why a high-ranking prosecutor facing allegations of being part of a “vein of corruption” would publish such commentary instead of initiating formal investigations.

In a joint announcement, the President and the Prosecutor of the Supreme Court stated that voices questioning the correctness of judicial decisions must maintain discretion and follow institutional procedures. They asserted that such publications, which involve pending cases and make vague allegations of corruption against judges, exceed the boundaries of legitimate criticism and damage public confidence in the judiciary. The Supreme Court emphasized that prosecutors should use legal remedies rather than the media when they disagree with judicial rulings.